Artificial intelligence improves S-Bahn utilization in Hamburg and Berlin!

Artificial intelligence improves S-Bahn utilization in Hamburg and Berlin!

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in local public transport is becoming increasingly important, especially when it comes to train utilization. A new approach being pursued by Deutsche Bahn aims to provide passengers with precise information about the utilization of S-Bahn trains. This strategy was recently presented in a statement from the S-Bahn Hamburg, which points out that technology is used at numerous stations in Hamburg and also in Berlin that uses light barriers to determine the number of passengers. According to Julia Kuhfuß, head of “DB Lightgate”, the forecast accuracy exceeds an impressive 90 percent, which represents a remarkable improvement.

An exciting pilot project for real-time display of train occupancy, which takes place directly on the platform, is currently being tested in Berlin. Ten sensors were installed on the routes between Jannowitzbrücke and the main train station and between Tempelhof and Neukölln. This system uses LED light, which is completely safe for passengers. The data determined from these measurements is used to display a traffic light system for occupancy: green indicates a lot of space, yellow indicates medium occupancy, and red indicates little space. Interestingly, passengers can now even check train occupancy via Google Maps, which makes planning trips much easier.

Intelligent information systems in local transport

The willingness to be provided with up-to-date information is crucial for public transport users. This is where the MOBILEguide system comes into play, which also relies on AI and modern technologies. This system makes it possible to accurately predict the expected occupancy level. The current capacity utilization is determined by transferring the number of people boarding and alighting after each departure. In cases where counting sensors are missing, alternatives such as WiFi and Bluetooth signals from smartphones are used to expand the database.

The challenges in data availability require an intuitive interaction of different information sources. MOBILEguide attracts precisely tailored information from different data streams, links it with timetable data and checks its plausibility. This ensures that public transport users can react not only to the current situation, but also to future capacity utilization. What is particularly noteworthy is that the INIT solution outperforms traditional systems in terms of reliability, which ultimately leads to a better travel experience.

Future outlook for train utilization

The developments in the area of ​​train utilization are a sign of the progressiveness and adaptability of local public transport. With the implementation of AI and real-time data, passengers can now plan better and opt for less busy routes. The pilot project for train utilization in Berlin with a budget of 900,000 euros, financed by Deutsche Bahn and the states of Berlin and Brandenburg, will be evaluated after the test phase in order to decide on the next steps. With 88 percent of the stations having occupancy displays, the Hamburg S-Bahn shows how important this information is for passengers.

So it remains exciting to see how the technologies will develop and what influence they will have on our daily mobility. There is definitely something moving and the future of local transport will be shaped by innovation!